I'm looking to gather information about degenerative disc disease. Searched via google and found some basic out of the book stuff.

I'd like to know more practicle ways of dealing with mild degenerative disc disease.

Thanks

PS no this isn't for me personally.

I wish I could access the sites I'd posted in a "Sticky" for our BT home, ZS. If so, I'd have oodles of links, I think. But, since I don't, I'll focus on searching my drives for what I saved and share links (by morning).

One of the most difficult aspects of being displaced from BT is: No access to info. shared earlier .

wayback machine may be a way to find old BT1 info

Thanks, Newbie. I wasn't around for SD1 but in the SD forums more recent years (past two or so). I bet, though, you're right, and there is just a ton of insight still waiting to be re-read .

also Zombie slayer CareCure Community is a spiney forum ...they might be able to help.

CareCure is more focused on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI); there are distinctions between SCI and Spinal Disorders (SD) as K*L*D - a SCI nurse - pointed out here:

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=81


P.S. I'm not saying CareCure would not be able to help; the folks there understand spine related topics far better than many. Just saying, SCI is different from SD, is all.

opps. not being a spiney I did not know the difference. Sorry

No need to apologize; your willingness to help is what counts. Isn't that what we're all here for, after all .

I would like to think so.
But there seems to be a lot of attacks about BT1 that makes me wonder.

But as ZombieSlayer says on a different thread, some interesting points have been made.

Don't worry about all of that; there are valid points being made only don't lose "you" in the process of reading everything . Gotta keep your positive traits while you're helping, too. And, you are!

As for the person you know with DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), ZS, you didn't mention what level of the person's spine is currently presenting with the most prominent "problems" or symptoms. That can affect what some may suggest. Heck, I ain't a doctor, just a person with a messed up spine (from throat to butt - no joke! ).

You may have already seen the following:

A Patient's Guide to Degenerative Disc Disease
http://www.umm.edu/spinecenter/educa...c_disease.html

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
http://www.charitedisc.com/charitede...iscdisease.asp

Exercise for back problems: doctor answers patient questions
http://www.spine-health.com/backtalk...rcisepain.html

DDD & Aging
http://www.chirogeek.com/000_DDD_Page-1_Aging.htm


If I were the person, though, I'd have a sit-down or face-time with my treating physician and ask the doc what he or she advises; since you said it's "mild," my thought leads me think that conservative would be the initial approach. Too, though, that depends on things such as symptoms, age, ROM (range of motion) and other factors.

Not only will the doc's opinion, after assessing history, films and so on have influence, so, too, might the person's insurance (thinking that the person possibly has some coverage). Many carriers start with the expectation that the conservative approach will be tried first: maybe exercise (based on the doctor's assessment), PT, NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory), etc.

The doctor the person is seeing will likely, either, coordinate the treatment or make referrals if the doc thinks that's appropriate.

So, first thing, if I was in the person's shoes, and ohhh, I think I've been there, is: I'd ask the doctor what next? and also ask the doc: "If I were a family member, what would you suggest?"

I think, as well, being assertive is key. And, too, so is remaining active without hurting oneself. To strike that balance, a doctor can help guide toward that direction.

I'm sure others will share even more ideas .